After only one hour asking around in Ramsgate, I found a German Captain who was agree to bring me to France the next day. It was with a river boat, conditions were super good and it was a fun time! He was a retired aircraft pilot, living on his boat every summer. He also lived 3 years on it, mostly travelling in France.

I was walking out of the border crossing past the array of eager taxi drivers as I see a marshrutka going to the nearest village. The guy honks at me and says to get in. I tell him that I don't have Uzbek money. He says to get in anyway! Great start to Uzbekistan.

Guy in a Daewoo

First proper hitch in Uzbekistan. He agrees to take me for free (wanted money at first) to the next village. We talk and when he learns I'm going to Khiva (around 15 km from there), he pulls up to the marshrutka stop and pays for my ride all the way to Khiva despite my very loud and clear protests (I wanted to hitch and hate it when people want to pay for my ride)… Also… (read on in Trip)

I was hitching with two other travelers I'd met in Ashgabat. After about 20 minutes and 4-5 cars which all wanted money, we managed to hitch a kamazista that was going around 20km and was ok with hitching, but only had space for two. Having the advantage of speaking Russian (and a bit of Turkish), I told the guys to take the ride and I'd keep on hitching. After another 20… (read on in Trip)

Cigaretostop Insanity

Guy in a mom-van pulls over and says he's going to Darvaza. We have a discussion about autostop, but he doesn't really want to take me for free. I explain that it's a principle and he's going there anyway, so there's no cost to him. I also say that he can drop me off at the main road and I'll walk to the Gates of Hell (which is my destination). He thinks about it and asks if I… (read on in Trip)

I got out of the border post and there was a group of random dudes standing around cars. They offered me a ride to Ashgabat for money (100 manat) but I explained I was hitching. As I was about to leave and walk to the main road, a guy who overheard the conversation approached me and said that he'll take me for free. We waited for his mother who had also just crossed from Iran… (read on in Trip)

This guy reminded me of Peele so much :D He spoke some English and asked how to say things (in English). He was really nice and drove to Kallat. The scenery was absolutely spectacular and it was a good choice to travel on this somewhat deserted road.

Merchant

Guy in a truck delivering merchandise from Mashad. He first wanted money (as almost everyone does), but agreed for "majane". He hated the regime and kissed a picture of Reza Shah on his phone. Again, spectacular scenery.